漸 → 蹇
Hexagram 53: Development → Hexagram 39: Obstruction
Changing Lines
This transformation involves 1 changing line (line 6).
Line 6
上九 鴻漸于陸。其羽可用為儀。吉。
Nine at the top means: The wild goose gradually draws near the clouds heights. Its feathers can be used for the sacred dance. Good fortune.
Trigram Changes
Yilin Verse
敏捷極疾，如猿集木。彤弓雖調，終不能獲。
Swift and nimble beyond measure, like an ape gathering among the trees. Though the vermillion bow is tuned, in the end it cannot catch its quarry.
— Jiao Yanshou, Yilin (Forest of Changes), 1st century BCE
Commentary
Wind over mountain meets water over mountain: gradual development confronts the Obstruction that blocks all paths. Swift and agile as an ape leaping through the trees, yet even the vermilion bow, perfectly tuned, cannot make the shot. Speed and skill are insufficient when the terrain itself resists. The ape's agility mocks the archer: no matter how fine the weapon, the target slips away. From Development to Obstruction, water pools atop the mountain, blocking the way forward. The gentleman must turn inward and cultivate virtue rather than press ahead. Gradual progress collides with a wall that cannot be scaled by effort alone. The verse teaches that when obstruction is total, even the most refined preparation must pause and reflect rather than force a breakthrough.
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